World Cup Round of 16: Morocco faces Canada as France takes on Paraguay; Koné to start for France in place of injured Tchouameni

Wesley is close to returning to full training at Roma's Trigoria facility, bringing positive news for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini ahead of the summer preparation period. The midfielder's recovery is progressing well through its staged phases. Details of his specific injury timeline and expected availability remain unclear from the available information.

AS Roma has moved to protect midfielder Niccolò Pisilli by establishing a transfer valuation for the 2004-born player. Pisilli is regarded as one of the club's key pillars for the present and future. The specific price set by Roma reflects the club's determination to retain the young midfielder and resist any potential approaches from rival clubs. Details of the exact valuation remain unclear.

AS Roma is preparing a radical restructuring of its attacking department ahead of the new season. Matías Soulé and Dovbyk are reportedly heading for the exit, while the club has identified Garnacho and Moreira as potential replacements. However, a Chelsea connection complicates negotiations for at least one of the targets. The overhaul reflects Roma's desire to refresh an underperforming offensive unit. Details on individual transfer timelines and fee structures remain unclear at this stage.

Two AS Roma players remain in contention at the ongoing World Cup and will compete in the round-of-16 stage on Saturday. Neil El Aynaoui will feature for Morocco against Canada in Houston at 19:00, while Manu Koné will play for France against Paraguay in Philadelphia at 23:00. Both matches are scheduled for the same day, with the winners advancing to the quarter-finals. Roma's involvement in the tournament has been limited following earlier eliminations. Defender Çelik's Turkey exited in the group stage, while Ndicka's Ivory Coast and Malen's Netherlands were knocked out in the round-of-16, with El Aynaoui's Morocco notably defeating the Dutch. El Aynaoui and Koné now represent the club's final representatives in the competition. Should both Roma players' respective nations win their matches, an intriguing scenario would unfold: France and Morocco would face each other in the quarter-finals, creating a potential all-Roma midfield clash between the two sides' Giallorossi contingent. The outcomes of Saturday's fixtures will determine whether this derby materializes in the next round.

El Aynaoui has emerged as a standout performer at the World Cup, transforming his fortunes after a difficult first season at Roma. The Moroccan midfielder, who began the tournament viewed skeptically by Roma supporters following inconsistent form and limited playing time, has now become the focal point of his national team across four matches. His performances have attracted attention from major European clubs including Liverpool and Barcelona, yet Roma remains confident in retaining the player, who has reportedly expressed his desire to continue in the capital. Gasperini views El Aynaoui as a cornerstone of Roma's midfield project and plans to give him expanded responsibility in the coming season. Last year, the midfielder ranked below Pisilli in the hierarchy as he adjusted to Serie A after his move from Ligue 1. Gasperini recognized his potential but deemed him lacking the consistency needed during critical moments. The World Cup has demonstrated his readiness; El Aynaoui has developed the rhythm and confidence that eluded him in his debut campaign. The coach now sees concrete qualities upon which to build rather than mere promise. El Aynaoui will not necessarily be a guaranteed starter, particularly if Manu Koné remains at the club, but his increased opportunities will carry greater weight. Roma views the interest from Liverpool and Barcelona as validation of the talent already in their possession. The player's second season at the club is positioned as his moment of full consacration in giallorosso.

AS Roma will begin pre-season training on 13 July with a severely depleted squad. Head coach Gasperini will have only 13 outfield players available on the first day, as most of the squad remains unavailable due to international commitments or contract negotiations. Paulo Dybala, Matteo Celik, and Lorenzo Pellegrini are all currently without contracts, with negotiations ongoing; Dybala reportedly rejected the club's initial proposal of one year plus an optional second year. The first meeting between Pellegrini's agent and the club took place recently, signalling intent to continue their partnership. Players involved in international tournaments will return gradually from 20 July onwards. Celik, Malen, and Ndicka are expected around 22 July, while El Aynaoui and Koné will arrive later as they remain in tournament competition. Young players including Mannini, Reale, Cherubini, and Pagano will be aggregated into the squad, while Arena is unavailable as he competes in the Under-19 Euros. Gasperini has requested at least two signings before 13 July to address squad shortages. Greenwood and Garnacho have been identified for attacking reinforcements, while the coach has also asked for a backup to Hermso, a wide midfielder—with Moreira reportedly of interest—and potentially a replacement midfielder if Koné departs. Dovbyk's potential exit could trigger searches for an alternative to Malen. Details remain unclear on the timeline for these acquisitions.

AS Roma is pursuing Moreira, an external player at Strasbourg, as a potential addition to their squad. Chelsea holds a right of first refusal on the Belgian winger due to shared ownership between the clubs. Roma has been in direct contact with Chelsea regarding Moreira's availability, though the London side is currently focused on alternative targets like Chavarria in that position. Moreira represents one of several attacking reinforcements Roma is exploring this summer. The forward line is expected to undergo significant changes, with Matías Soulé among players likely to depart, and Artem Dovbyk also set to leave. Donyell Malen's deputy position is being evaluated, with Roma considering options including Tresoldi, though he is not an immediate priority. A previous inquiry about Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea proved unviable due to high costs and Chelsea's reluctance to negotiate a loan arrangement. Strasbourg's asking price for Moreira stands at 40 million euros, with the possibility of further increases following the World Cup. Despite the financial and structural obstacles, Roma intends to pursue the opportunity. Parallel discussions are ongoing regarding Paulo Dybala's contract renewal and interest in other targets.

AS Roma has signaled openness to loaning forward Artem Dovbyk to Genoa, marking a shift in the club's stance on the Ukrainian striker's future. Genoa, managed by Claudio Ranieri who brought Dovbyk to Roma in summer 2024, has made contact with the Giallorossi regarding a move. However, the deal faces a significant hurdle: Dovbyk's salary of 3.5 million euros per season is beyond Genoa's financial capacity. Roma had previously preferred to sell Dovbyk outright rather than loan him out, as the club seeks a replacement alongside Donyell Malen in its attacking lineup. The wage burden is the central sticking point in negotiations. For a loan deal to progress, Roma would need to subsidize a portion of Dovbyk's wages. Should that happen, Roma would likely prefer to pursue a permanent sale instead, potentially to a foreign club, rather than proceed with a temporary arrangement. Dovbyk, who joined from Girona, appears unlikely to remain at the Stadio Olimpico beyond this transfer window. The club continues efforts to move the player on as it reshapes its squad for the coming season.

Two AS Roma players remain in contention at the ongoing World Cup and will compete in the round-of-16 stage on Saturday. Neil El Aynaoui will feature for Morocco against Canada in Houston at 19:00, while Manu Koné will play for France against Paraguay in Philadelphia at 23:00. Both matches are scheduled for the same day, with the winners advancing to the quarter-finals. Roma's involvement in the tournament has been limited following earlier eliminations. Defender Çelik's Turkey exited in the group stage, while Ndicka's Ivory Coast and Malen's Netherlands were knocked out in the round-of-16, with El Aynaoui's Morocco notably defeating the Dutch. El Aynaoui and Koné now represent the club's final representatives in the competition. Should both Roma players' respective nations win their matches, an intriguing scenario would unfold: France and Morocco would face each other in the quarter-finals, creating a potential all-Roma midfield clash between the two sides' Giallorossi contingent. The outcomes of Saturday's fixtures will determine whether this derby materializes in the next round.